…Impounds Goods, Warns Traders Against Trading on Roads, Walkways and Drainages

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija, and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The operation, which was carried out during the official closing hours of yesterday became necessary towards ensuring compliance with the laws regulating trading activities, the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces in the state.

The enforcement followed observations that many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.

The Authority expressed concern over the continued disregard for designated trading spaces, noting that government-provided markets were meant to enable legitimate business without encroaching on roads and public spaces.

During the exercise, the Authority impounded substantial quantities of goods, both perishable and non-perishable, from locations where trading violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the exercise was not to frustrate legitimate business owners , but ensuring that traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians, and the general public.

Consequently, the Authority called on market men and women to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and setbacks, and to utilize the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA further warned that enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with Oyo State laws.

The Authority urged traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, adding that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remains a collective responsibility.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening the industrial sector through sustained engagement with industries, improved workers’ welfare, regulatory compliance and measures aimed at creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, stated this on Thursday during a routine visitation to selected industries in the State, including Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited, Polyfilm packaging Nigeria limited and Nisalee Industries Limited.

Professor Adelabu explained that the exercise was part of the Ministry’s continuous engagement with industries to review developments, follow up on previous observations, understand emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector.

He stressed that the visitation was not intended to witch-hunt industries, but to add value to their operations, provide necessary guidance and ensure that the interests of workers, businesses, consumers and the wider society are protected.

The Commissioner said the Ministry had reviewed reports from previous visits to ascertain the extent to which issues earlier identified, particularly those relating to workers’ welfare and workplace facilities, had been addressed.

He commended the industries for their contributions to employment generation and economic development, noting that businesses that employ large numbers of people contribute significantly to reducing unemployment and creating productive opportunities for residents.

Professor Adelabu also disclosed that the Ministry was working on a proposed State Trade Policy, to be jointly facilitated and developed by relevant State and Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as identified critical private-sector organisations.

He explained that the initiative was among the measures being pursued by the Government to create a stronger framework for trade and business development in the State and to ensure that the realities and needs of industries and other stakeholders are adequately captured in Government policy.

The Commissioner urged industries to maintain close communication with the Ministry, describing it as their mother ministry, so that their genuine challenges and areas requiring Government intervention could be properly documented and presented to the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde, for consideration in policy and budget decisions.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel, said the visitation reflected the administration’s determination to maintain direct engagement with the industrial sector and understand the conditions under which businesses operate.

He noted that such engagements would help the Government identify practical areas where industries require support, while also encouraging companies to sustain responsible industrial practices that contribute to employment, workers’ welfare and the development of their host communities.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Export Promotion, Honourable Kolawole Ojo Ayoola, said the visitation was important in giving Government a clearer understanding of the realities within the State’s industrial sector.

He noted that direct interaction with industry operators provides an opportunity for the Government to receive first-hand information on their operations, concerns and areas where further collaboration may be required, adding that such engagements would help strengthen communication between the government and the private sector.

The Commissioner assured them that their concerns would be documented and considered through the appropriate government channels, stressing the importance of continuous dialogue between government and the private sector in addressing challenges affecting industrial operations.

During the visits, management and workers of the companies interacted with the delegation and highlighted measures put in place to improve staff welfare, including health facilities, insurance arrangements, contributory pension schemes and other workplace amenities.

The companies also highlighted their corporate social responsibility initiatives in their host communities, including road maintenance, support for electricity infrastructure, provision of community facilities and fire-fighting assistance.

Some of the industrialists, however, appealed to the State Government for continued intervention in areas such as multiple taxation, road infrastructure, electricity, gas supply and timely waste disposal, noting that these challenges increase their operating costs.

The industrial visitation is an ongoing exercise, with other industries across Oyo State to be visited subsequently as the exercise progresses.

The continued engagement is expected to strengthen government-industry relations, improve the documentation of industrial activities and challenges, promote workers’ welfare and support the State Government’s efforts to create a more conducive environment for industrial growth, trade and investment.

The visitation, led by Professor Adelabu, included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives; Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Export Promotion, Honourable Kolawole Ojo Ayoola and representative of the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters; Ministry of Information delegate and the management team of the Ministry.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

…as OYRLEA Intensifies Environmental Enforcement in Akobo

The Oyo State Hospitals’ Management Board (OYSHMB) has warned members of the public against a fake online circular claiming to announce applications for internship and housemanship programmes at the Board.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Board described the publication as false, misleading and the handiwork of fraudsters seeking to deceive unsuspecting applicants.

OYSHMB clarified that it has not commenced any recruitment process for internship or housemanship programmes and urged students, parents and the general public to disregard the fraudulent circular.

The Board noted that its doors remain open for enquiries and clarifications on internships, the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and other programmes relating to hospital management in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anifat Ibraheem, advised residents to visit the Oyo State Hospitals’ Management Board at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for authentic information and clarification on matters relating to the Board.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has intensified enforcement against illegal livestock and agricultural activities in Akobo, Ibadan, as part of efforts to protect public health, preserve the environment and ensure compliance with environmental laws.

The enforcement exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and relevant security agencies.

During a compliance assessment visit to the Mercy Rock area, officials observed that several residents and property owners who had earlier been served a 21-day Abatement Notice made little or no effort to comply with the Authority’s directives. Consequently, a final 14-day Abatement Notice was served on all defaulters, with a warning that full enforcement would commence immediately after the expiration of the notice.

The enforcement team also responded to a petition by residents of the Ifesowapo, Yawiri area over the activities of a poultry farm allegedly constituting a public nuisance.

Inspection of the facility revealed that the poultry farm, located within a densely populated residential neighbourhood, was emitting offensive odour, while poor waste management practices, including indiscriminate accumulation of poultry droppings, posed significant environmental and public health risks.

Environmental Health Officers described the facility as a potential breeding ground for disease-causing pathogens, warning that the unsanitary conditions could trigger outbreaks of cholera and other communicable diseases if urgent corrective measures were not taken.

The poultry farm owner was subsequently served a 14-day Abatement Notice and directed to rectify all identified environmental infractions in line with the provisions of the Oyo State environmental sanitation laws.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents, OYRLEA stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at promoting environmental compliance and maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment across Oyo State.

The Authority warned that individuals or organisations that fail to comply with its directives within the stipulated period would face appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with the laws of Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

…Builds Leadership Capacity for Sustainable Development

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen governance, fiscal planning and institutional capacity with the commencement of the preparation of the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the training of top civil service leadership cadres on talent management and mentoring.

As part of the initiatives, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning commenced a five-day walk-through session on the preparation of the 2027–2029 MTEF at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, bringing together 60 participants from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for planning, budgeting and finance.

The workshop is designed to build a common understanding of the MTEF process and equip participants with the technical knowledge required to prepare a realistic, credible and implementable medium-term budget framework.

Representing the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Ojo, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ghafar Bello, described the exercise as another milestone in institutionalising transparent, prudent and results-oriented budgeting in Oyo State.

Barr. Ojo stated that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework remains a critical instrument for aligning government spending with policy priorities, available resources and the State Development Plan, noting that a credible MTEF provides the foundation for realistic annual budgets capable of delivering measurable development outcomes.

He explained that the workshop would deepen participants’ knowledge of revenue forecasting, expenditure planning, programme-based budgeting and fiscal sustainability, while ensuring that MDAs align their plans with the Roadmap for Sustainable Development (Omituntun 2.0) and Agenda 2040.

The Commissioner urged participants to embrace transparency, accountability and realistic costing throughout the budget preparation process, adding that the technical session would produce realistic revenue projections, programme-based budgets, strengthened monitoring frameworks and draft expenditure ceilings for the 2027 budget.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Tunde Ayanleke, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the workshop and releasing the necessary funds, while the Lead Consultant, Dr. Ayuba Onifade, urged participants to provide accurate and reliable data, stressing that the quality of the MTEF would depend on the credibility of information supplied.

Similarly, in furtherance of the state’s ongoing civil and public service transformation agenda, the government trained 100 top leadership cadres across Ministries, Departments and Agencies on “Talent Management and Mentoring as Panacea for Sustainable Institutional Development.”

The two-day executive workshop, organised by the Ministry of Establishments and Training in collaboration with the American Open University, was held at the university’s Ashi-Bodija campus in Ibadan.

The programme was designed to strengthen talent management, mentorship and succession planning within the civil service to ensure that retiring senior officials leave behind competent officers capable of sustaining high service standards and advancing the state’s development agenda.

The Head of Service, Mrs. Adenike Fasina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Services, Office of the Head of Service, Barrister Sunday Olagoke, emphasised that effective talent management is essential for sustainable institutional development, noting that strong succession planning guarantees continuity, prevents panic recruitment and addresses staff attrition.

Speaking during the programme, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, who previously served as Commissioner for Establishments and Training, said the training would equip senior officers with the leadership and soft skills required to improve efficiency, mentor subordinates and enhance service delivery.

He disclosed that similar training programmes would be conducted regularly, with additional certificated courses planned through the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre in partnership with the American Open University.

“We need to begin to identify talents within the service and deliberately develop them. More than 100,000 civil and public servants depend on the leadership of fewer than 150 senior officers. Talent development and mentorship must therefore become a priority,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr. Hameed Alade Bello, described the workshop as a challenge to participants’ leadership capabilities and urged them to maximise the opportunity.

Participants commended the initiative, saying it would strengthen succession planning and support the state’s vision of becoming the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria.

The twin initiatives underscore the Makinde administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, effective governance and the development of a highly skilled and future-ready public service capable of driving sustainable development across Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

Oyo Govt To Begin House To House Waste Bin Enforcement, Gives Residents One Month To Comply

The Oyo State Government has announced the commencement of the enforcement of mandatory waste bin provision for every residential and commercial building across the state, giving residents and property owners one month to comply with the directive with stringent enforcement effective from September 1st,2026.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this while addressing journalists in his office, stating that the initiative forms part of the State Government’s renewed efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation and ensure proper waste management across Oyo State.

Hon. Aderinto explained that every household, residential building, business premises, shopping complex and plaza must provide designated waste bins that are commensurate to the size of the building, the number of occupants and the volume of waste generated.

The Commissioner stressed that all residents and business owners must patronise only government accredited Private Sector Participants (PSPs) responsible for waste collection and evacuation, warning that anyone found engaging unapproved waste contractors or disposing of waste through unauthorized means would face the full weight of the law.

He urged members of the public experiencing challenges with waste collection services or those uncertain about accredited PSP operators to report to the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) or the Department of Environmental Health Services of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for necessary guidance and clarification.

Hon. Aderinto further revealed that government enforcement teams would also verify evidence of payment of waste evacuation fees during inspections, noting that residents and businesses are expected to remain up to date with their monthly waste disposal payments as part of the requirements for compliance.

The Commissioner explained that the new enforcement exercise is an extension of the state’s daily environmental sanitation initiative, emphasizing that having a waste bin and engaging an accredited PSP alone is not sufficient if the surroundings remain dirty.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

..as OYACA organises A -3 Day AI Training for Staff

The Executive Director and Consultant of Grace Alone Concept and Systems Ltd., Dr. Wole Oyeyemi has called on stakeholders in governance and accountability to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical tool for detecting and preventing corruption in public institutions.

He said the adoption of AI would strengthen, sustain, and enhance anti-corruption efforts through improved collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

The don made the call on at the formal opening of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) three-day staff training on “Applicability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Detection and Investigation in the Public Service,” held at Koltol Hotel, Ikolaba, Ibadan, sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD),Abuja.

Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director and Consultant of Grace Alone Concept and Systems Ltd, Dr. Wole Oyeyemi said the future of anti-graft work lies in predictive, data-driven investigations rather than the current reactive approach.

According to him, traditional methods of investigation can no longer cope with the volume and complexity of financial and procurement data in government.

“Corruption now lives in databases, trails, e-payment platforms, and procurement portals. AI gives us the microscope to see patterns humans will miss for years,” Dr. Oyeyemi stated.

He noted that AI tools such as machine learning, network analysis, and natural language processing can flag ghost workers, contract inflation, bid-rigging, and suspicious transactions in real time.

“AI analyzes complex data and suggests leads. Human discretion drives on various prosecution questions for agencies like OYACA to ask and act on,’ Dr Oyeyemi added.

Dr. Oyeyemi, whose firm specializes in technology and systems consulting, stressed that while AI is powerful, it must be guided by clean data, ethical frameworks, and trained investigators.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, tech firms, and civil society to build the necessary infrastructure.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency [OYACA] Dr Folasade Ajibade said the agency is committed to adopting innovation to protect public resources in Oyo State.

“Corruption is evolving. So must the methods of fighting it. This conversation on AI is timely as we seek more intelligent ways to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. ”

The Executive Secretary noted that OYACA recognizes technology as a force multiplier in tracking leakages and enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws at the state level.

Participants at the capacity building were Director administration and supplies, Mr Wasiu Alimi, Director of finance and account, Mr Tajudeen Azeez, among other OYACA Staff.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

The Oyo State Council on Climate Change has held its maiden meeting, reaffirming the commitment of the Oyo State Government to addressing climate change, strengthening environmental sustainability and advancing climate resilient development in line with the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The inaugural meeting, held at the NEWMAP Conference Hall, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ibadan, was presided over by the Vice Chairman of the Council and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Aderinto described the commencement of the Council’s sitting as the fulfilment of a vision that had been nurtured for nearly three years.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for inaugurating the 20 member Council on June 15, 2026, noting that the administration has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to climate governance and environmental protection.

The Commissioner explained that the Council serves as the highest decision making body on climate change in Oyo State, with the responsibility of formulating strategic policies and providing direction for climate action that will safeguard the environment while promoting sustainable socio-economic development for present and future generations.

The Council extensively deliberated on the draft Oyo Climate Action Plan (OYCAP) 2026–2040, which is awaiting presentation to the Chairman of the Council. The document provides a comprehensive roadmap for building climate resilience, promoting environmental sustainability and integration of climate action into the policies, programmes and projects of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.

Hon. Aderinto further disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the operationalisation of the State’s Carbon Desk, a strategic initiative designed to position Oyo State to access climate finance and carbon credit opportunities while leveraging local and international partnerships to attract investments for climate resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

The Council also considered measures aimed at strengthening climate related legislation, improving enforcement of existing environmental laws and ensuring that climate considerations become mandatory in government planning and implementation across all MDAs.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that the Council’s activities would further enhance Oyo State’s climate governance profile, noting that the state has recorded remarkable progress by moving from 34th to 7th position nationally within one year.

Members also discussed strategies for the adoption and implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan, climate financing opportunities and institutional collaboration.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Council and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in constituting the Council. He urged members to work collectively towards the successful implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan.

Those in attendance included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo; Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development,(OYMASED)

Dr Morohunkola Thomas,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Tejumade Adedayo; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is Mrs. Bamidele Toyin Oyinloye; Chairmen of relevant agencies, development partners, environmental experts, representatives of academia, private sector stakeholders and other members of the Oyo State Council on Climate Change.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
30th July, 2026